Just Booked Animal Kingdom Lodge

[Lanshark]

I just booked the AKL with a savannah view for Thanksgiving. Can anyone tell me about this resort? Does it have a nice view and do you actually see animals.

 

[grumpyandbashful]

If you picked it because you want to explore a new resort that is totally unique, and like the idea of relaxing and animal viewing, you have made a great decision!
If you have a savannah view room, you should be able to see many animals at almost all times of day from your balcony (some animals are taken inside during the heat of midday).
I would recommend requesting a room overlooking Arusha Savannah.
AKL has a spectacular lobby, a good fast food restaurant, a great breakfast and dinner buffet (Boma). Have never tried Jiko, the upscale restaurant there.
The pool is beautiful and relaxing as well.
Have a fantastic trip to my favorite Disney resort!

 

[goofyfordisney]

We were at AKL last Thanksgiving--unfortunately we only stayed for 2 nights before switching to BC.

We were on the Kudu Trail overlooking the Arusha savannah--we saw alot of different animals from our room. Try to get on the same floor as the lobby--it saves alot of time getting to and from your room and the rest of the resort (instead of having to take the elevator to your room when you get back from the parks). I think the lobby is on the 2nd or 3rd floor.

We saw many animals from our balcony. I loved sitting on our balcony with my sons looking for the animals. I slept with the drapes open--when we woke up, we could see giraffee walking by! You can see even more animals by walking out on the Arusha Rock area--there are many CM's to answer questions, etc.

The pool area was very nice and relaxing--we only had time for a late night drink at the pool-side bar!

I wish we had spent more of our time exploring this great hotel--make sure you do!

 

[JudithM]

Have a wonderful stay at the AKL! When we stayed there we took advantage of any "activities" offered to guests like nightly storytelling, lobby tour, etc. Be adventureous & try the restaurants! Talk to the CMs throughout the resort - they love to share info with you abou their homeland, the animals, African culture, etc. Have fun!!

 

[hallie]

I loved the AKL! we were on Zebra Trail, overlooking Arusha Rock savannah, 2nd floor. This was a wonderful location, just an elevator ride down to the restaurants and pool and because the lobby is on the 3rd floor at the AKL, the 2nd floor was very quiet. There are elevators half way down each trail so if you do decide to do the 3rd floor(lobby level) I suggest asking for a room beyond the elevators. There are elevators in the lobby but we always used the ones half way down the 3rd floor, Zebra Trail because we loved walking through the lobby. many other people did this as well, so the rooms before the elevators on this floor might get a lot of hall way noise.

I highly recommend this location! Have a great trip!!!!

 

[MScott1851]

Can you believe of all the dumb luck? I booked the Animal Kingdom Lodge today, August 21, at about 4:30pm. Then I find out there was a special on the Travel Channel at 3:00pm. I am starting to think that I have made a bad decision, and I wish I could have seen the show!

We originally had 7 nights planned at the YC, but decided to move to AKL for five nights, then to Portofino Bay for two nights. Someone make me feel at least a little better! I am afraid I am going to be sick, I'm so worried I made a bad decision!

Misty

p.s. This is my honeymoon, so I want everything to be extra nice...I figured since the AKL was newer, and I am an African design/print/furniture FREAK we would like it better...

 

[goofyfordisney]

MScott,

Don't worry...you will LOVE AKL! We were only scheduled for 2 nights at AKL and then moved over to BC for 3 more nights. Although the location to the parks is better at the BC/YC--it is a lot more crowded and busy--not nearly as relaxing as AKL!

If you really like African things--you will love it. I only wish we had spent more time at the resort than going like mad at the parks! There is much to be appreciated at AKL!

Make sure you let them know it is your honeymoon--you might get an upgrade?! Have a great time--don't worry you made a great choice!

P.S. You should plan on going to AK also--it's awesome!

 

[Lanshark]

I saw the show on the Travel Channel last night and am more excited then ever. I really wanted Wilderness Lodge but it was booked. I thought I was making a mistake too but after hearing all the wonderful reports and seeing the special it looks like an incredible place.

 

[beansmom]

I just decided this week to plan another trip for Nov 2003...and decided to stay two nights at AKL. My family's reception of the plan was lukewarm UNTIL...

we watched the show yesterday and now they want to see if we can afford the whole week there! Now I'm looking for the best rate for Thanksgiving 2003 ---I think it's a bit early but by jingo, AKL here we come!!!

 

[Beanie]

I want to go back to AKL so bad!! You will have an excellent time there!! The rooms are awesome, the room service is incredible and very fast and the restaurants are wonderful!! I have nothing but praise for AKL!! Have a great time!